Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Hansen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve never been interested in photography. I have my bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. I stumbled across it when I had my first baby almost 12 years ago. I wanted nice pictures, but newborn photography wasn’t popular back then, at least not in my small town. So I borrowed my dad’s camera (an old Canon Rebel) to take pictures and instantly fell in love. I started taking pictures of anything and everything, including weddings, seniors, families, etc., until I became too busy and decided to specialize in newborn photography to get good at one type of photography instead of mediocre at everything. Since then, I’ve poured my heart and soul (and money) into learning the art and safety of dealing with newborn babies. I feel like newborn photography differs from other photography because I’m posing the baby more than I’m snapping pictures. I consider it art! You put props together, pose the baby, and create a beautiful image. Newborn photography is so rewarding but challenging, and even if I feel like the photo isn’t perfect or technically “correct,” moms are always happy! I’ve come a long way since I started, but I’m still learning daily!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s funny to look back at the images I took when I started taking pictures compared to the images I take now. I was so proud to get the photos I got, and now that I’m better, it’s much harder to be happy with my work. I know what’s “right” and “wrong,” and I’m a lot harder on myself than when I did it for fun. I’ve had to learn how to use a camera inside and out, studio vs. natural lighting, and safety when handling fragile babies. Each one has its personality, and you can’t control them. You have to let them be in control and roll with it. If they don’t want to sleep, they won’t, and there’s nothing you can do about it, so I’d say the hardest thing to learn was patience!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I mentioned before, I’ve taken all kinds of pictures: children, seniors, and weddings, but I was overworked between being a mom, a photographer, and a dental hygienist. So I specialized in newborn photography because that’s what I love photographing most. I also photograph babies through their first year, children, families, and maternity.
I live in a very rural area, but I’m pretty well known for my newborn photos. I also do a lot of mini sessions, mainly around holidays, so I’m known for those. I brought glitter mini sessions to our area, and people have gone crazy over them. Because of the mess of playing with glitter, the cost and hassle of renting fancy dresses, and the time it takes to edit, I only offer these once a year. I have people lined up and waiting for my post. It’s gotten so popular I have people drive from hours away, and most clients do them every year.
I wasn’t always as good as I am now, so I’m happy where I’m at but also love learning and trying new things!
What does success mean to you?
I like to focus on how far I’ve come rather than where I want to be. Because if you set your sites on becoming a “10”, but you’re currently a “7”, you might be tempted to feel like a failure. If you started at a “3” and have progressed to a “7”, it’s a great feeling of accomplishment! Being happy with where you’re at while constantly improving is key. I think it’s good to learn all the rules of photography, but it’s also good to bend the rules and find your niche or style. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, but if you look at a photo you took a year ago and one you took today and see progress, that’s a success!
Contact Info:
- Website: lanahansenphotography.com
- Instagram: @lanahansenphoto
- Facebook: Lana Hansen Photography
- Youtube: Lana Hansen
Image Credits
Alexis Anderson | Best Day Ever Photography (main photo)
Lana Hansen (baby photos)
